Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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 More Top Reads From Oilprice.com 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. Featured Video 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. Featured Video 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. Featured Video 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. Featured Video The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reiterated the destructive impact of illegal mining, popularly known as "galamsey," on the nations environment, particularly water resources. Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association's (GBA) annual conference held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on Monday, September 9, the Asantehene urged the legal fraternity to take decisive action against the environmental crisis. Otumfuo emphasised the urgency of addressing the devastation caused by galamsey, highlighting the direct threat it poses to Ghanas water supply. "Galamsey is an environmental enemy for the nation," he declared. "What could be more serious for any people than to have the entire water supply system at risk?" he questioned. He challenged the legal community to set aside time during the conference to form a panel to examine the worst-affected areas and deliberate on how laws should be reshaped to tackle this critical issue. The Asantehene further underscored the legal ramifications of environmental damage, drawing a parallel between deliberate poisoning of a water source and the contamination caused by galamsey activities. If an individual poisoned the water supply of a community, he would face severe consequences under the law. What does the law do when one pours mercury into the same water supply, knowing fully well it can kill? Otumfuo questioned. He lamented the state of Ghanas rivers, citing a personal encounter with the severely polluted River Pra. While I was going to Cape Coast, I stopped over the River Pra and what I saw was so embarrassing. If as a nation we live for this to happen to us, we have to fight this no matter what. He therefore called for a united front from various sectors of society, including the legal, medical, and academic communities, to confront the galamsey menace. He stressed, This issue now requires the collective effort of all sections of society. To do nothing is no longer an option. The Asantehene's call comes at a time when galamsey continues to wreak havoc on Ghanas environment, particularly its water bodies. The rampant use of mercury and other harmful chemicals by illegal miners has led to widespread pollution, threatening the health of entire communities and putting the nation's water supply at risk. Source: graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. Featured Video 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 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 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. Featured Video 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 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 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. Featured Video 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 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The New Patriotic Party (NPP) 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 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 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. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: 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 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: 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 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: 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 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 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. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The 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 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: 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 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A 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. 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A 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. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: 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 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A 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. 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: 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 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain 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. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The 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. 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: 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. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This 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. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain 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. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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, Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get more How to Do It in our Advice newsletter The latest sex, parenting, and money advice from our columnists delivered to your inbox twice a week. Thanks for signing up! You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again, or manage all your newsletter subscriptions here Please enable javascript to sign up for newsletters. Email address: Send me updates about Slate special offers. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms Sign Up 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, Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Dear How to Do It, Advertisement Advertisement 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, Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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, Advertisement 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? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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! Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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! Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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? Advertisement 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: Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share 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. Related article 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. Related article 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) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share 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) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share 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 Sputnik International 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. 2024-09-11T05:10+0000 2024-09-11T05:10+0000 2024-09-11T05:10+0000 world electric vehicles import tariffs justin trudeau canada china chinese embassy world trade organization (wto) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/0b/1120104724_0:162:3066:1887_1920x0_80_0_0_6f3b4b36a4f696742351a5c73b7033f8.jpg 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. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240821/china-hits-eu-with-dairy-subsidy-probe-after-blocs-cheesy-move-to-tariff-chinese-evs-1119864793.html canada china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International china-canada tariffs, china-canada relations, china-canada row, china-canada trade, trade tariffs, trade restrictions, critical mineral products, chinese export, chinese electric vehicles, canadian tariffs, canadian economy, import tariffs 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 Sputnik International 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. 2024-09-11T04:39+0000 2024-09-11T04:39+0000 2024-09-11T04:39+0000 americas us kamala harris joe biden donald trump us customs and border protection (cbp) border us-mexico border https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/13/1119827049_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_df411973b53ad8d2b16f8817188e8985.jpg 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. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240723/us-lawmaker-introduces-resolution-to-impeach-harris-over-handling-of-border-crisis-1119477570.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International vice president kamala harris, presidential debate, sovereignty of other nations 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 Sputnik International 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. 2024-09-11T05:32+0000 2024-09-11T05:32+0000 2024-09-11T05:32+0000 analysis us donald trump kamala harris presidential debate debate 2024 us presidential election joe biden presidential campaign us presidential campaign https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/0b/1120105328_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_2c1595aabfc1d9fd049b893330b68df9.jpg 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. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/trump-says-debate-performance-against-harris-his-best-ever-despite-three-on-one-1120104038.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko 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. 2024-09-11T16:57+0000 2024-09-11T16:57+0000 2024-09-11T19:10+0000 analysis joe biden volodymyr zelensky vladimir putin ukraine russia nato cia army tactical missile system (atacms) mig-29 https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/09/0b/1120111056_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_3ce35d2c00315b60df66cbcac32cc6ea.jpg 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 ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 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 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov 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. 2024-09-11T11:03+0000 2024-09-11T11:03+0000 2024-09-11T11:03+0000 military nigeria chad us defense department https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/06/13/1083190050_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_de678add04eab557344ba9edcaac078f.jpg "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 nigeria chad Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International african countries, us military presence, countries resist 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. Get Elastic alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Elastic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elastic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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). Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up 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. Get Everi alerts: 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. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Everi About Everi (Get Free Report) 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Everi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Everi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get OLO alerts: 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. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on OLO OLO Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for OLO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OLO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Dell Technologies alerts: 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 (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 (Get Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Suruga Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suruga Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: 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. View Our Latest Report on Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group alerts: 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SMFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:SMFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get A. O. Smith alerts: 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for A. O. Smith Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A. O. Smith and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Black Hills alerts: 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Edison International alerts: 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EIX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edison International (NYSE:EIX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edison International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edison International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up 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. Get Colgate-Palmolive alerts: 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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Colgate-Palmolive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Colgate-Palmolive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Laboratory Co. of America alerts: 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). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Laboratory Co. of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Laboratory Co. of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Target alerts: 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. Get Our Latest Research Report on Target 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TGT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Target Co. (NYSE:TGT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Target Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Target and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN alerts: 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BMO REX MicroSectors FANG Index 3X Inverse Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get TransDigm Group alerts: 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TDG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TransDigm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransDigm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Brookfield alerts: 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. Get Our Latest Analysis on BN Brookfield Company Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Corporation is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Canadian Western Bank alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Western Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Western Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. As scandal after scandal rocks churches and ministries across the world, a newly launched program aims to address the root of the issue: the unspoken secrets of abuse and trauma. Virtually everyone has experienced some form of it. And as they are buried in silence, the inner brokenness continues from generation to generation, even within the church. But, says the creator of REAL TALK, the solution is simple, it is biblical, and it is not scary. It is even fun! I don't want your ministry to end up in the headlines, says Elizabeth Good, Founder and CEO of The Foundation United and the woman behind REAL TALK. We always say we want to bulletproof your ministry, your legacy and your family, and safeguard you to never have Satan dismantle and take it all away. I was talking to one of my friends the other day, we grew up at Willow Creek Community Church, and to go back there now to see that they've removed Bill Hybels name. That's a legacy that had tremendous impact for 40-some years, but even all the books he wrote are gone. In Dubai, I was at this place where they host different events and they had Bill Hybels, Ravi Zacharias, Brian Houston. They're all gone, and I hate to think about who's next. If we don't start speaking, who is going be the next one that's going to be no longer? A background of a decade in corporate business, a decade in church leadership and a decade in anti-human trafficking work has been Gods preparation for her ministry today, says Good. Her passion? Witnessing men, women and children experience how Jesus Christ truly sets them free from the bondage of secrets that kept them in brokenness. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up In an exclusive interview with Christian Daily International, Good shares about her personal journey, how she discovered that everyone has secrets, and the simple program she developed that is now used in churches and ministries across the world to bring healing through a culture of open conversation and prayer. Whether rich or poor: different symptoms but the same root I feel like the Lord has done a progressive thing with my resume. Each of my decades has built the credibility for this platform today to be able to speak to it, Good says, as she reflects on her professional life. Looking back, she sees strong contrasts how people talk about their personal lives in the secular world versus in the church. I worked a decade in corporate America in advertising and media, and everybody was just out with everything there. There were no secrets. It was all debauchery all the time. They seemed very comfortable talking about things. As she moved into pastoral leadership, however, she noticed that the church culture was very different. My next decade in my thirties, I was in leadership at Willow Creek Community Church, a mega church in Chicago. And that was a little different because if something was out of order, you couldn't speak about it publicly, Good says. In hindsight, she laments about what happened with Willow Creek founder Bill Hybels who was forced to resign due to a sexual misconduct scandal in 2018. I wish Bill Hybels didn't get removed like that, she says, and ponders that it could have been different if they had the REAL TALK program in place at that time. Good went on to get a masters in clinical psychology while she was serving among a lot of minority populations on the south side of Chicago and encountered some very psychotic situations. What I found at that time was that everybody's root level issues started with a secret, and it was usually a secret of abuse. If it was not sexual abuse, then it was physical abuse or some other form. And then it turned into different things, she recalls. But then when I was in the north shore of Chicago, which is one of the wealthiest suburbs, the women and the men that I would meet with that were leaders, CEOs, and heads of organizations, they were presenting with different addictions, different secrets. But literally behind all these beautiful and opulent doors were tons of secrets, and it all started with the same root level abuse. She realized that most often, the secrets people carried were going back to when they were three, four or five years old, and growing up, the symptoms then manifested themselves differently. And then the Lord moved me to Florida where I ended up creating safe housing for anti-sex trafficking and working with over 5,000 survivors. And of those women who were in the streets, all of them had the very same stories as my wealthy housewives. For them, it perhaps didn't lead to domestic violence or an addiction, but theirs led to trafficking. But it was the same pattern, the same route, Good says. Broken generational pattern and orphan spirit, also in the church What she found is that the experiences of abuse and trauma in early childhood are kept hidden due to fear and shame. And we keep that a secret and then it manifests in a way that steals our identity. It steals our destiny at a very young age, Good says. She emphasizes the spiritual reality that the enemy is very clear in his tactic and he's very focused in his dismantling of our purpose. I always say he has one purpose, which is to make sure you don't achieve your purpose. However, even in the Christian households, this reality is not talked about. What is called generational patterns in the secular world speaks to the same issue that the Bible describes as the sins of the father impacting the third and fourth generation, Good suggests. Describing it as a broken generational pattern, she points to the issue of two generations ahead of you that have been abused verbally, physically, sexually, emotionally, and we don't know how to end it. A key issue is that these experiences are suppressed into silence. Good points to a Columbia University study that found that the average person has 13 secrets at any given time, five of which they have never spoken out loud, because the shame is so big. But they're typically the same root level, something of perversion or something sexual that happened, she says. Earlier this year, Good spoke about the orphan spirit at the World Without Orphans global forum in Thailand, highlighting that the issue of orphanhood not only affects those who lost their physical parents but also those who suffer abuse. We say that we have 5 million social orphans, which means they're living in care or some sort of housing community. And we have 150 million that have one parent that has passed away. But the statistics today say that there are 1 billion children with an orphan spirit, and that means that they've experienced sexual, emotional, physical or verbal abuse, she says. That's one out of two children that grow up to be one out of two adults. What Good finds heartbreaking in all this is that the statistics inside the church are the same as the statistics outside the church. I always say just because you sit in a garage, it doesn't make you a car. And sitting in a church, doesnt make you a Christian, Good says, and laments, I've heard too many stories, and I've heard too many secrets. Getting to the roots: creating a culture of speaking After fighting the symptoms of abuse and trafficking for many years, witnessing the awful effects on peoples lives, seeing the same repetitive patterns and despite all efforts achieving no meaningful change, Good says she finally could not bear it any longer. We're throwing our money and our energy at symptoms, and everybody cares about abortion, they care about trafficking, they care about domestic violence. But quite honestly, I'm sick of it. I'm sick of talking about it in the symptomatic way. I want to get to the root level, she says. Why are we as believers matching [the statistics] of the world? But I feel like what the Lord is saying now is: the only system [that can solve this issue] is my Church, and if my Church doesn't start talking about these things that matter, nothing will change. Therefore, the REAL TALK program is aimed at churches, ministries and almost any kind of organization that is willing to take the first step in changing the culture of silence to a culture of speaking. Good explains that for a successful program, the leadership is most important. We start with leadership, and we look at everything systemically from top down. The leadership must understand the principle and say, we don't want even one person in our system to have secrets that they're afraid to speak about. Because with one hundred percent certainty, what is going to cause an organization or a church to run into a scandal or have something come out that ruins the reputation of a leader is an unaddressed secret. So, starting with the leadership, the program focuses on training the trainers and then creating a new culture by providing a language for people to speak about issues. Good says that one pastor said about the program, It's like you're giving handles. We knew all this stuff was there, but we didn't know how to grab it, we didn't know how to address it, and how to speak to it. But the program gave us language and handles. Other churches similarly testified saying, you've changed everything. We don't talk the way we used to talk, and we have language we never had before. Confession? But I am not Catholic Once the leadership is on board, Good says that the program needs facilitators and intercessors who want to be trained to pray. One of the programs key Bible verses is James 5:16, which says: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. The Bible is so clear when it says to confess your sins one to another and the prayer of a righteous man has authority to heal, Good says, but there is a lot of hesitation among evangelicals. She admits her own initial response was similar. I had my own secrets, and I remember when someone asked me, have you ever confessed it? I'm like, Confession? I'm not Catholic! We don't do confession. Good laments that this important aspect of the Christian life has gone missing in many churches. We don't do that a lot in church where we actually speak our deepest secrets to one another and then have the knowledge of how that person then prays with you for that to go away. We would rather just take anxiety medication and keep our secrets and just medicate or numb ourselves. And that's why we're seeing the numbers of pornography and addiction and all the things because we're not using the power of Holy Spirit and God to just get rid of stuff, she says, and emphasizes that conversation and prayer works. It does go away! At the outset, the greatest obstacle is the atmosphere of shame, and that people are afraid what happens when they start talking about it. So, the first step is to normalize it quickly. As the small group meets, the facilitator starts out by asking questions. The first question is as simple as we're going to name every type of abuse that you've either endured or witnessed or know that generationally exists in your family. And it's just a tick list of physical, emotional, spiritual, verbal, Good explains. Then, as people start naming them, they realize that all ten people in the group have at least one, but most have three. And then you do realize, okay, we've all been sexually abused, or we've all been physically abused, or we've all witnessed something. We grew up in a house of verbal abuse and a lot of people still have it because it's just normal, that's what they've got used to. But you go and do church on Sunday. And as they continue on, the atmosphere becomes light, and they wonder why it was never talked about. And then we go on to, what was your first memory of grief or loss? And it just brings some things that we haven't talked about that Satan might have ownership of. And we say, we're excavating and looking for the gold, because something that might be hidden could be locking something that you don't even know. You need a key, and there's a whole other part of your legacy and your purpose unlocked. And it changes everything, Good says. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed A second Bible verse that the program refers to is in John 8:36: So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Good compares it to ownership papers that people may still be hiding in their lives. If there are parts of you that are in secret, it means you have someone holding your papers and you're not free, she says. Any piece that is held back that you're like, oh, I wouldn't talk about that. That's not a part of my story I speak to. That is where you don't have the [ownership] deed fully yours. [The program] is a freedom all the way tool. We call it a catalytic Holy Spirit can opener that unlocks things you might not have known were locked and gives you freedom. Good emphasizes that it is not the same as therapy as it is not about analyzing life stories and going through weekly sessions over years and years. Rather, it is about creating understanding and identifying patterns. And it's not scary. It is actually fun. Because you quickly realize, Oh my gosh, you understand? she says, and adds, It helps identify patterns and mindsets because people are always like, Oh, but it's my father. But no, no, no. It's never about a person. Satan, the spirit of whatever it may be whether it's accusation or fear or whatever it comes through a person who is just unfortunately used. But you got to realize that person is not it. It's going to be a tactic. REAL TALK is about revealing those tactics and patterns, so that people can walk with new mindsets and keep them, Good says. It is the biblical route of becoming free indeed by confessing sins and experiencing healing through the Holy Spirit. And the result they see is dramatic breakthroughs in a few short weeks where generational patterns are changed. Starting with the adults, then the kids The program always starts with five weeks for the adults and only afterwards moves on to the six-weeks program for children, Good shares. What we've found with research is that if you haven't healed or dealt with what your own secrets are, you can't hear a child. And that's why children will say, well, I told my mom But the mom didn't have ears to hear because she never dealt with her own trauma. And unless the Church is comfortable to allow the language to come out and to speak about the issues, we can't guard our children, and our children are desperate for someone to speak to. The childrens program is from kindergarten to fifth grade, from sixth to eighth, and then from ninth to twelfth grade, in the U.S. system. Good says that she heard testimonies from kids who finished their six weeks program in their church and immediately asked when it would be run again. They say things like, I want to bring my friend because no one's parents talk to them. Statistically, it is said that average children spend around six to eight hours daily on social media but only one minute face-to-face with a parent. Theyre losing intimacy and the ability to connect, Good says. She is also concerned that research shows our children are getting their innocence stolen by age seven, eight, nine on social media. They're seeing images that are changing their neuro pathways. They are literally having addiction from age ten, eleven, twelve, but parents are not comfortable talking about things. That is why it is so important that there are some adults who are unprogrammed of the fear of speaking, so they can then help the children talk as well. The same situation around the world While the program has started in the United States, it is already being rolled out in other nations as well. Asked if she notices a difference between what are commonly known as guilt cultures versus shame cultures, Good says that the situation is the same everywhere. When she held a workshop at the global forum in Thailand, there were 65 different nations, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Everybody was like, We don't do this where I come from, but we're starving for it. Every single person that spoke to me said, I want to tell you my story. We're done with this, we're done. Good finds it interesting that there seems to be a misconception about Americans. They all think, Well, you Americans are so open. But I dont think so. We just have a bigger stage of pretending we're open, but we're not. I haven't seen any difference. Since the forum, she has had requests from different countries urging her to start the program because it is so urgent. They say, we cant wait. There are churches in India, in Dubai. We have underground churches in China saying, we desperately need this. We can't have this situation continue. I have pastors in Africa saying, this isn't church, we have to start talking. Good says that quite possibly, the countries where Christianity is younger may have it easier to create a culture of openness because they dont have such a long history of silence in the Church. We have a lot of church baggage in Western culture, and we play church well. We know how it works, how it's supposed to be outwardly. So I think the rest of the world is actually almost in a better position. Good is hopeful that change is coming. She says, the Church has been getting a bad reputation because the secular world is watching and saying, Christians are fake: Were saying stuff but were not living it. But I feel this is a movement now. I think it's time for the Church to say: We're done. We all are addicted. Everybody's addicted to porn. It's women and men, and we are seeing the next generation of men and women that have all these addictions and secrets. But the minute you speak about it, it loses its power. It's almost like shackles are falling and mouths are flying open. 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. Get Walker & Dunlop alerts: 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. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WD 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Walker & Dunlop Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walker & Dunlop and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Read Our Latest Report on KO 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Coca-Cola Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coca-Cola and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Direct Line Insurance Group alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Direct Line Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direct Line Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Jacobs Solutions alerts: 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Jacobs Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jacobs Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Duke Energy alerts: 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DUK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Elastic alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Elastic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elastic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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). Get Epwin Group alerts: 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Epwin Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Epwin Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fairway Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fairway Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Hostmore alerts: 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 Receive News & Ratings for Hostmore Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hostmore and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up 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). Get Imperial Brands alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Imperial Brands 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Imperial Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Imperial Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund alerts: 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. (Get Free Report) 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get W.W. Grainger alerts: 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GWW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for W.W. Grainger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.W. Grainger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF alerts: 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get EOG Resources alerts: 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 (Get Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG & Innovation 3x Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Moody's alerts: 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Moody's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Moody's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Myers Industries alerts: 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Myers Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Myers Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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): Get Chemed alerts: 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Chemed Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chemed and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get North American Income Trust alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for North American Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Church Network and Assemblies of God Theological Seminary Partner to Address Growing Shortfall of Pastors Formal Relationship Makes Accredited Online Courses Available to Thousands of Emerging Ministry Leaders around the World NEWS PROVIDED BY Global Church Network Sept. 10, 2024 ORLANDO, Sept. 10, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Global Church Divinity School (GCDS), an online pastor training resource launched in 2001 by the Global Church Network (GCN), is excited to announce a formal partnership with Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS) at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, to provide GCDS students accredited graduate credit hours toward a Master's degree from AGTS. "The greatest need in the Global Church today is not more models, money or methods, but God-called, Christ-centered, Kingdom-minded, Spirit-empowered, Bible-based preachers, who can communicate to the Now Generation and lead the Church toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission," said Dr. James O. Davis, founder of GCN and GCDS, and himself an AGTS graduate. "We are honored to synergize together with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary to address the shortfall of trained ministers and make accredited, world-class training more accessible to busy professionals and those living far from traditional seminaries." Part of the Global Church Network, the largest pastors' network in the world, GCDS comprises more than 260 courses in 8 languages, with more than 1000 lecture hours and over 200 faculty. GCDS currently interfaces with GCN's Global Hubs of Christianity, providing the finest training possible even in the hardest places in the world. Now, with this new partnership, GCDS students can earn AGTS Specialized Certificates in Preaching, Teaching, Pastoral Life, Bible, Christ Formation, Arts & Imagination, and Contextual Semiotics. AGTS Vice President Dr. Wade Mumm, who also serves as Lead Pastor of Greeneway Church in Orlando, was raised by missionary parents in Thailand and so uniquely understands the challenges of educating and equipping ministry leaders in remote locations. "I look forward to creatively, strategically and synergistically developing incredible educational onramps onto the highway of ministry with the Global Church Divinity School," he said. The Global Church Network launched GCDS 22 years ago, anticipating fewer leaders entering ministry careers in the future something that has become a challenge here in the U.S. as well as around the world. According to Dr. Davis, himself an Assemblies of God ordained minister, "Whether the Church is growing at supersonic speed or experiencing slower growth, there are not enough pastors to fill the existing pulpits, much less the starting of new churches." Dr. David Sobrepena, Global Church Network Cochair for East Asia and Founder of Word of Hope Church in Manila, shared that he is thrilled with the academic relationship between the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and the Global Church Divinity School. "We must forge new dynamic paths and faster means to equipping and educating future pastors and ministers," he said. As an early pioneer in online divinity studies and ministry preparation, GCDS has equipped tens of thousands of ministers from every nation across the globe over the last 22 years. The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary was founded in 1973 under the leadership of the late Dr. Thomas F. Zimmerman, Assemblies of God General Superintendent. Over the years, thousands of students from around the world have graduated from AGTS, carrying with them its vision statement, "Truth on Fire." "The Global Church Divinity School partnership with the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary is the next step to raising up high quality leaders to finish the Great Commission," added Rev. Brian Ashworth, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Harvest Church in Belfast. "We have witnessed firsthand as we have taught in the Global Church Network Hubs, both in Moldova and Egypt, hundreds of pastors and leaders have been equipped with the finest training possible to help them plant churches and preach the Gospel." Rev. Terry Bailey, Superintendent of the Tennessee Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, agrees. "We began making the online training of the Global Church Divinity School available to our pastors and ministers about ten years ago," he said. "We could not be more pleased with the academic relationship formed between the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and GCDS." About Global Church Network Established in 2001, Global Church Network is a growing coalition of more than 2,750 Christian ministries and 700,000 churches synergizing their efforts together to build the premier community of pastors worldwide and has helped plant five million new churches for a billion-soul harvest. To learn more, visit https://gcnw.tv. The Global Church Divinity School currently interfaces with GCN's Global Hubs of Christianity, providing the finest training possible even in the hardest places in the world, and has helped train tens of thousands of Christian leaders since 2002. For more information, visit gcnw.tv. SOURCE Global Church Network CONTACT: Roy Kamau, A. Larry Ross Communications, 972-267-1111, roy@alarryross.com Share Tweet 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. Get Oxford Industries alerts: 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oxford Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oxford Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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%. Get RenaissanceRe alerts: 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for RenaissanceRe Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RenaissanceRe and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 (Get Free Report) 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Revolution Bars Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Revolution Bars Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Serica Energy alerts: 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Serica Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Serica Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on SQM 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Amphenol alerts: 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Amphenol Co. (NYSE:APH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Amphenol Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amphenol and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get The Cigna Group alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for The Cigna Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Cigna Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Salesforce alerts: 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access. "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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "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 Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. The Tulsa World is where your story lives 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. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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?! Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Politics -- Vietnamese 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. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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 Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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 Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Support TwoCircles 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). Support TwoCircles 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home 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. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home 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. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home 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. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home 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. Watch Video 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". Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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." Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Members only 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. Members only 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. Related Companies 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. Related Companies 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Also Read: Call Me Bae: Lisa Mishra makes double debut 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. Also Read: Gargi by PNGS Fashion Jewellery launches "Flaunt your finger" campaign 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. Also Read: Skoda Auto India unveils new campaign "Live The Thrill" 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 Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Also Read: Prime video unveils high-octane official trailer for new spy series Citadel 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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 Click here to view this content. Click here to view this content. 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. Click here to view this content. 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. Click here to view this content. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. 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. Click here to view this content. 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. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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 Click here to view this content. Click here to view this content. 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. Click here to view this content. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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! Up Next: 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." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. 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 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. More from InDepth There are lessons here from the past. Genetic modification was rejected by many consumers in the UK, the European Union and other countries 30 years ago because of its perceived unnaturalness. GM crops were publicly trampled by protestors who saw this as a technology that they didnt need, want or consider safe. At the same time, scientists were angry and upset that what they believed to be their world-saving technology was being destroyed by, in their view, a wave of anti-scientific hysteria fuelled by the media. Gene editing seems to be a more palatable version of GM to some, arriving at a time when the debate is less polarised, the need for environmental solutions is even more urgent and there seems to be a greater readiness for some scientists and campaigners to see each others perspectives. Mr Stevenson of CWIF believes that in the long run, there has to be huge reductions in global livestock production to deal with climate change, but pragmatically, the fact that climate change is already destroying so many lives, the use of gene editing could be legitimate. But he is wary. It is hard for me to trust that part of the scientific world who say: Hey now, we have a new way to alter animals. The danger is of animals being thought of as things, units of production, more so than they are now, because we can modify them to make them more amenable to our uses and taking us away from this notion of animals as sentient beings. What happens next, not just in the UK, but the rest of the world, depends on whether the advocates of gene editing can convince the open-minded, but wary, such as Mr Stevenson, that they can act safely, ethically and in a way that makes lives better, not worse - for people and animals alike. BBC InDepth is the new home on the website and app for the best analysis and expertise from our top journalists. Under a distinctive new brand, well bring you fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions, and deep reporting on the biggest issues to help you make sense of a complex world. And well be showcasing thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. Were starting small but thinking big, and we want to know what you think - you can send us your feedback by clicking on the button below. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The 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. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A group of key House Republicans have written to President Joe Biden urging him to lift the restrictions on the use of US-provided long-range weapons systems and allow Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russia. The letter, dated Monday, echoes repeated appeals from the Ukrainian government itself, including President Volodymyr Zelensky. It was sent ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinkens visit to the Ukrainian capital Wednesday and as the Biden administration continues to assess Kyivs request to carry out strikes deeper inside Russia. US officials expect Blinken, who traveled to Ukraine Wednesday with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to gather information during his trip to Kyiv on how these longer-range strikes would factor into Ukraines broader battlefield strategy. The UK is also considering whether to allow Ukraine to strike deeper inside Russia with its own long-range system, the Storm Shadow. Blinken said he expects the topic to be discussed when Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meet Friday in Washington. Well be listening intently to our Ukrainian partners. Well both be reporting back to the prime minister, to President Biden in the coming days. And I fully anticipate this is something theyll take up when they meet on Friday, the top US diplomat said in London Tuesday. Asked later Tuesday if the US will lift the restrictions, Biden answered, were working that out right now. Two US officials later told CNN that the Biden administration is not anticipating any policy changes when it comes to lifting restrictions. No change to policy, one senior administration official said, adding that there is currently no openness to lifting restrictions. Another US official echoed this, saying despite the fact that American and Ukrainian officials discuss this issue with regularity, the administration is not anticipating policy changes on ATACMS. The Republican lawmakers argue that the restrictions have hampered Ukraines ability to defeat Russias war of aggression and have given the Kremlins forces a sanctuary from which it can attack Ukraine with impunity. It is far past time the administration reverses course and lifts the remaining restrictions on Ukraines use of U.S.-provided weapons against legitimate military targets in Russia, the lawmakers wrote. The letter was signed by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Michael Turner, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, House Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Thomas Kean, and Helsinki Commissioner Richard Hudson. It hits out at decisions from the Biden-Harris administration, but stands in contrast to sentiments from the Republican presidential and vice presidential contenders, who have suggested they could stem assistance to Ukraine if elected. Former President Donald Trump has also repeatedly vowed to bring an end to the war. Last week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pushed back on the notion that lifting the restrictions and hitting deeper into Russia is a silver bullet, saying that theres no one capability that will, in and of itself, be decisive in this campaign. There are a lot of targets in Russia a big country, obviously, Austin said at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany on Friday. And theres a lot of capability that Ukraine has in terms of (unmanned aerial vehicles) and other things to address those targets. A US official said several hundred ATACMS have been transferred to Ukraine and Ukraine has used most of them. As with previous steps the US has taken to bolster Ukraine on the battlefield, there are concerns within the administration that allowing Ukraine to strike further inside Russia could escalate the conflict and cause Russia to further accuse the US of being a part of the war. However, the Republican lawmakers argued that the administrations concerns about escalation have been consistently invalidated since Day One of the war. Neither Ukraines use of U.S.-provided weapons in Russia nor its military incursion into Russias Kursk region the first foreign occupation of Russian territory since World War II have triggered a Russian escalatory response, they wrote. Debate ongoing with administration The debate on Ukraines request is ongoing and some US officials expect the administration to green-light the Ukrainian ask, while others said it is possible the ultimate answer will be no. A Ukrainian lawmaker told CNN that they hope that the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia will be enough to tip the scales and shift the administrations position. The US official noted that they had been tracking the expected delivery of the missiles for months and the US has been accounting for it. Still, in London on Tuesday, Blinken indicated a willingness to change the US posture on the topic, saying that the US has routinely showed a willingness to adapt and adjust support for Ukraine based on battlefield conditions. One objective of the trip will be learning from Zelensky exactly how the Ukrainians see their needs in this moment, toward what objectives, and what we can do to support those needs, Blinken said. US intelligence assesses that more than 90% of Russian aircraft launching glide bombs and firing missiles against Ukraine are based at airfields that are at least 300 km from Ukrainian-controlled territory, putting them outside of ATACMS range, the US official explained. We expect this number to continue to increase. For example, Russia recently relocated its glide bomb missions from two airfields, which were located closer to the front, father east to airfields that are outside of range of ATCMS, the official said. In their letter, the Republican lawmakers argued that there remain numerous other legitimate military targets in range in Russian territory. The Institute for the Study of War assesses that, excluding airfields, there are over 200 legitimate military targets within range of U.S.-provided weapons to include military bases, logistics nodes, fuel depots, ammunition warehouses, and command and control systems, they wrote. Last month, senior Ukrainians presented US officials with targets they would like to strike in Russia during a visit to Washington. US officials reviewed their lists but did not ultimately give the Ukrainians a decision. The US also has a limited stock of ATACMS available to provide Ukraine without impacting US military readiness, and using the weapons to strike far inside Russia would deplete Ukraines stockpile of ATACMS that could be used for other parts of their military campaign such as inside Crimea. But the Ukrainians say there are weapons productions facilities that would be within reach of the ATACMS inside Russia that are worthy military targets, a source familiar with the Ukrainians position told CNN. These discussions come as Ukraine has shown a willingness to possibly engage with Russia to begin talks to end the war. While US officials do not expect any talks to begin in the coming months, some are wary of Ukrainians going to the table with Russia before they are in the best possible position to begin those talks. Its going to be up to President Zelensky if and when he wants to negotiate an end to this war, certainly a negotiated end is the most likely outcome here, but when that happens, and under what conditions and circumstances thats going to be up to President Zelensky, John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council, said on Tuesday. The point that Secretary Blinken will make is that that were going to do everything we can to make sure that if and when hes ready to make that decision, that he does so from the best possible position. And so thats what, thats what this trip is really about. Its not arm twisting. Its about learning. This story has been updated with additional details. CNNs MJ Lee contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com 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. You Might Also Like 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. 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 Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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! --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code 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. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content 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 Blog Archive: Oct 2024 (40) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (156) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) 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. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Mr 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. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. 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. This is a subscriber exclusive story. Subscribe today to access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for $3.99/month Subscriber Sign In | Return Home 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 What Power Do Demons Have Today? What the Bible Tells Us about Demons and How to Protect Ourselves 7 Incredible Lessons from the Story of Jesus Casting Demons into Pigs Photo credit: Getty/Jupiterimages Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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) Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement His widow and the couples three children have been campaigning for decades for a public inquiry to establish the extent of security force involvement. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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) Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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) Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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) Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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) Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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). Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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! Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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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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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 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. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. 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. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. 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. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Peterson said the embrace of identity politics by some churches is a dangerous shift away from the core teachings of Christianity and poses a threat to the integrity of the faith, particularly for younger generations who might be more vulnerable to cultural trends. But even conservative Evangelical churches are not immune to problems, the We Who Wrestle With God author said. There's no shortage of bad actors as well in the Christian community of the sort that the atheists tend to object to, he said. The fundamental problem with religious enterprise is that it can be captured by the psychopathic narcissists, and that's what you see in the Gospel story. Christ is persecuted most intensely by the Pharisees, the scribes and the lawyers the Pharisees are religious hypocrites who use religion for their own self-aggrandizement. That's a real danger in the religious enterprise, and especially the more Evangelical forms of Christianity have been prone to being overrun by self-serving charlatans. That's a problem. Peterson advised Christians to be grounded in skepticism not of faith itself, but of those who would misuse it. "By their fruits, you will know them," he said, stressing that the Scripture verse is useful when determining whether religious leaders are genuinely committed to the faith or merely using it for their own purposes. You have to pay attention to the fact that not everybody who says Lord, Lord is going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, he said. Though not a professing Christian, Peterson frequently discusses Christian themes, values and Biblical stories in his work and has stressed the cultural and moral significance of Christianity, especially in the context of Western civilization. He once wrote that The Bible is, for better or worse, the foundational document of Western civilization, of Western values, Western morality, and Western conceptions of good and evil. Despite his concerns about the state of modern churches, the father-of-two told CP he finds hope in a growing trend: the revival of church attendance, particularly in conservative circles. Exposing children to traditional religious values, he said, could be key in navigating the complexities of modern life especially in the age of social media. "We are seeing a revival of church-going, especially of the more conservative type," Peterson said. "And I suspect thats probably also useful. Providing [children] with something like exposure to classic religious ideas is necessary." According to Peterson, biblical ideas offer an ethical framework that can help children navigate the temptations and dangers of modern technology, from pornography to the social isolation caused by overexposure to screens. "One of the things that screens do to kids is interfere with their ability to play, make friends, and interact socially," he said. He urged parents to limit their childrens exposure to electronic devices, especially during the critical developmental years. "At least [children] should stay away from electronic phones until theyre through their fictional play period so at least ten years old," he advised. The Beyond Order author also stressed the importance of teaching children to be intelligent consumers of content. He encouraged parents to engage in open conversations with their children about what they are watching and why, helping them navigate the complex digital landscape. "You have to expose them to the world of ideas," he said. You do that by paying attention to what they are consuming, making sure the channels of communication are open and communicating with them about what it is that they're watching and why. While Peterson acknowledged the role of social media in fostering division, he rejected the idea that Americans are as polarized as they might appear. Drawing on polling data from a liberal-leaning friend, he suggested that the majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, agree on key issues. What were seeing is that bad actors are garnering a tremendous amount of attention online and fostering political polarization, he explained. These manipulative figures, according to Peterson, are exploiting social media to create an illusion of greater division than actually exists. "This isn't a new phenomenon," he added. This happens to cultures quite frequently, when the psychopathic manipulators get the upper hand, and that's when you have extremely damaging revolutions. But it isnt because people are actually polarized. It's because the bad actors have crawled out from underneath the rocks and are having free reign. Some of that is a technological problem because we don't know how to regulate social behavior on social media platforms you can say whatever you want, and you're not held responsible for it. This has led to a terrible deterioration of public discourse that's very dangerous. Home News 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "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." Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The 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. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe 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 00:01:51:10 - 00:02:00:41 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, 00:02:00:41 - 00:02:15:43 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. Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici. 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. In this article AMZN Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT 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." watch now 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. watch now 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. In this article AMZN Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT 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. Want to master your money this fall? Sign up for CNBC's new online course. We'll teach you practical strategies to hack your budget, reduce your debt, and grow your wealth. Start today to feel more confident and successful. Use code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off, now extended through September 30, 2024, for the back-to-school season. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. 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. watch now 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. Don't Miss 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Don't Miss 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. Advertisement Play But all of these comparisons are extremely unfair to Grampa, that is. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Even his unspecified beef with that one cloud seemed fairly tame. Advertisement 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. Advertisement The only thing Grampa Simpson is really guilty of is stealing Andy Griffiths medication that one time. Advertisement 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) Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 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. Your browser does not support iframes. 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. Your browser does not support iframes. 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 Your browser does not support iframes. '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. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 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. This video is no longer available This video is no longer available 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 ...: ... 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'. Advertisement 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 Your browser does not support iframes. 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 Your browser does not support iframes. 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) Your browser does not support iframes. 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 Your browser does not support iframes. 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. Your browser does not support iframes. 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). Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 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. Advertisement 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 Your browser does not support iframes. 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. Your browser does not support iframes. Far-right protesters hold a banner reading 'remigration now' as they march through the streets of Solingen, following a stabbing rampage, on August 26 Right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) top candidate Bjoern Hoecke gives thumbs up on the day of the Thuringia state election in Erfurt, Germany, September 1, 2024 A 26-year-old Syrian man, who is the suspect in custody for a stabbing rampage in the western German city of Solingen in which several individuals were killed, is escorted by police as he leaves the Federal Public Prosecutor in Karlsruhe, Germany, August 25, 2024 Both AfD and BSW parties are firm advocates against Germany's longstanding support of uncontrolled immigration 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 Your browser does not support iframes. '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.' This video is no longer available 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' Your browser does not support iframes. 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 Your browser does not support iframes. 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 Your browser does not support iframes. 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 Ants Advertisement 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!' Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this article are selected by our writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Daily Mail Australia will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information. 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 Advertisement 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. Get BARK alerts: 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. Receive News & Ratings for BARK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BARK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get LSB Industries alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on LSB Industries 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for LSB Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LSB Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: 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. Get Our Latest Research Report on Archer-Daniels-Midland 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Rexford Industrial Realty alerts: 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding REXR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. (NYSE:REXR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rexford Industrial Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rexford Industrial Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Chart Industries alerts: 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Chart Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chart Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Canadian Utilities alerts: 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Utilities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Utilities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Lundin Gold alerts: View Our Latest Report on Lundin Gold 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lundin Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lundin Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: 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. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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%. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get First Horizon alerts: 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FHN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for First Horizon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Horizon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Intercontinental Exchange alerts: 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ICE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE:ICE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Exchange Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Exchange and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Kohl's alerts: 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Kohl's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kohl's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Paramount Group alerts: 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Paramount Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Paramount Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: View Our Latest Report on Parker-Hannifin 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Altria Group alerts: 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF alerts: 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TPLC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF (NYSEARCA:TPLC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Timothy Plan US Large/Mid Cap Core ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. Get alerts: 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." Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. 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. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. 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. 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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. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird. Nutzen Sie die Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus. Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential. In diesem kostenlosen Report geben wir Ihnen Favoriten an die Hand, die aufgrund von Sondersituation die Chance auf eine Kursvervielfachung besitzen. Handeln Sie Jetzt! Fordern Sie jetzt den brandneuen Spezialreport an und profitieren Sie von dem weiter steigenden Kurs des Edelmetalls. Sichern Sie sich jetzt Ihren kostenfreien Report. 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 Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! 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. ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: ynBrk8WYamvJnZtuYspnbmqVZpuTlZPKbpTIyWhsaMuZbHGSmWyWm5XHZnFom2Zt - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-87617-6806d.pdf 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 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/221357_af74f26b945a3b9b_002full.jpg 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 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2500005/Mondu_Logo.jpg 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 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502145/Figure_4_Denmark_Unicorn_Factory.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2145971/Zensai_Logo.jpg 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. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502247/Aprecomm_Logo.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502248/Kloud9_Logo.jpg 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. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8766ffb-8bee-4514-9d79-2a02c52272a5 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 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502586/Brijesh_Chirath_and_Sachin_Bhandari.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502587/Team_VTP_Realty.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2452797/VTP_Realty_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/punes-vtp-realty-expands-globally-with-new-dubai-office-302244943.html 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. Request Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/333 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. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/333 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. Trending Reports in ICT & Media Industry: Generative AI Market Overview Cyber Security Market Overview Predictive Maintenance Market Overview AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model): AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports. Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports 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 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/coaxial-cable-market-to-reach-17-4-billion-globally-by-2032-at-8-9-cagr-allied-market-research-302244966.html 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 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8871/222986_4425bd0d94e7288d_001full.jpg 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. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/4364085/Infosys_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infosys-collaborates-with-clearstream-part-of-deutsche-borse-to-enhance-digital-issuance-platform-to-simplify-securities-issuance-and-servicing-302244988.html 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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gold79Mines 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. Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben? Die Branche steht vor einem erneuten Innovationsschub von bahnbrechenden Medikamenten bis hin zu revolutionaren Therapien. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Sie sollten jetzt in Biotech-Aktien einsteigen, weil wir am Beginn einer neuen Ara der medizinischen Innovation stehen konnten! 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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 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7968/222967_1bf4918904eae957_001full.jpg "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: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7968/222967_1bf4918904eae957_002full.jpg "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: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7968/222967_1bf4918904eae957_003full.jpg 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 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3372/223002_e9311c7b24e82a7d_002full.jpg 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 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502251/IQVIA_Award.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/iqvia-applauded-by-frost--sullivan-for-improving-the-performance-of-qara-professionals-patient-safety-and-commercial-performance-with-its-ai-solutions-302244448.html 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. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2497473/PepsiCo_7UP_Global_Mixology_Campaign.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/7up-elevates-its-mixology-game-with-a-new-global-campaign-and-refreshing-brand-platform-302245269.html 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 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2502362/Corti_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/corti-strengthens-leadership-team-with-strategic-senior-hires-from-microsoft-and-philips-302244676.html 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. View the original press release on accesswire.com 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. Claim Your Free Sample Now: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-25X8584/Global_Electronic_Paste_Market_Insights_and_Forecast_to_2028 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. Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-25X8584/global-electronic-paste 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. Own It Today - Buy Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-25X8584&lic=single-user 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. Purchase Chapters: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-25X8584/global-electronic-paste/1 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 Purchase Regional Data: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-25X8584/global-electronic-paste/7 SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - Fine Paste Market - The global Emulsion PVC Paste market was valued at USD 2284.4 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 2974.7 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Solar Electronics Conductive Paste Market - 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. - Thermally Conductive Grease and Paste Market - Unlead Solder Paste Market - 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. - The global Pressure-less Silver Sintering Paste market was valued at USD 93 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 127 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Anti-paste Paint Market - Functional Water-Based Printing Paste Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! 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Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753 https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese https://valuatesreportspanish.blogspot.com/ https://valuateskorean.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesgerman.blogspot.com/ https://valuatesreportjapanese.blogspot.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/electronic-paste-market-size-to-grow-usd-9967-9-million-by-2030-at-a-cagr-of-9-3--valuates-reports-302245359.html 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 ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mWefZMWZYZecnZtwapWWaJNsZm1mxmecaJKbk2Jsa5yVmXFpnJpkl5ecZnFom2ho - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-87632-2024_09_11-commandes-italie-hrs-uk.pdf 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. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2503312/DSC00447BTMVF.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/over-3-000-business-meetings-mark-the-start-of-btm-2024--302245599.html 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 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9355/223060_828a2e15240f2bf2_001full.jpg 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 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9355/223060_828a2e15240f2bf2_002full.jpg Figure 3: Schematic Long Section of the Hasaga Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9355/223060_828a2e15240f2bf2_003full.jpg 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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). Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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!" Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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." Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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." Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Load More 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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." Advertisement 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." Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address '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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. ****** VM/SPS (Release ID: 2053322) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address '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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 ". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Ministry report on repelling an invasion attempt of the AFU on the territory of the Russian Federation (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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 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. Want News Fast? Subscribe to our email list by clicking here: https://www.mcewenmining.com/contact-us/#section=followUs and receive news as it happens! 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 Karma Farm: Freight Farms Added Hydroponic Solutions to Achieve Sustainability Impact of AI/Gen AI on Vertical Farming Market Use of Gen AI in Vertical Farming Case Study Analysis John Deere: Modernizing Agriculture Through AI and Automation Cropin: Leveraging AI and Data Analytics to Provide Farmers With Real-Time Insights California's Central Valley: AI-Controlled Irrigation to be Game Changer for Water Management in Agriculture Cropin and AWS: Collaborating to Tackle Global Hunger with AI Impact on Vertical Farming Market Adjacent Ecosystem Working on Gen AI Companies Featured in the Report Signify Holding AMS-Osram AG Freight Farms, Inc. AeroFarms Heliospectra Plenty Unlimited Inc. Valoya Everlight Electronics Co. Ltd. Spread Co. Ltd. Sky Greens AmHydro Urban Crop Solutions Vertical Farm Systems Bowery Farming Inc. Agricool Sananbio InFarm Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited 4D Bios Inc. BrightFarms Vertical Future CubicFarm Systems Corp. Vertical Harvest HydroFarm General Hydroponics For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/97eell About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment 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: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bbd270ac-218f-4c85-9da7-7ccbc15998b6 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a72ba16-f742-474e-99ab-07d58c9ba964 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1eb1d86e-0ad1-448c-8699-3096ab6a272c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7c8576fe-b931-4a95-a726-8f125c9c047d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0b200ad-e046-48dd-847d-271e5e25b0cc https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/227e2930-a106-4d48-98f6-df440bd27ee2 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b695872a-fed9-4bec-9c7b-b932d6e8e445 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/440162f7-f9c3-4428-86dc-827b7d6227be 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. Request The Sample PDF Of This Report: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/12700 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). Procure Complete Report (388 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/water-desalination-market-12700 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. Inquiry Before Buying @ https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/buying-inquiry/12700 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. Contact Us Avinash D Head of Business Development Phone: +1-315-215-1633 Email: sales@thebrainyinsights.com Web: http://www.thebrainyinsights.com 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. Request for a Sample PDF of this Research Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cell-based-assays.html 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. Elevate Your Business Strategy! 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